Original Press release
Smurfit-Stone Container Corp.
150 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL, 60601
USA
Smurfit-Stone's Load Max Initiative Benefits Environment and the Bottom Line
CREVE COEUR, Mo., and CHICAGO, June 21 -- Originally conceived as a transportation program in the company's corrugated container division, Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation's Load Max initiative is helping the company more efficiently fill its trailers and lower transportation costs by reducing the number of shipments needed to supply its customers.
As a result, Smurfit-Stone is placing fewer trucks on the highways, thus lowering fuel consumption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
"Implementing programs that create a positive impact on our operations, that at the same time benefit the environment, is part of our company's commitment to sustainable business practices," said Patrick J. Moore, Smurfit-Stone chairman and chief executive officer. "We take our role as industry leader seriously, which is why we are a member of organizations such as the Chicago Climate Exchange and the Sustainable Forestry InitiativeŽ, among others."
By maximizing trailer capacity, Smurfit-Stone:
o Placed approximately 18,100 fewer trucks on the road through May 2007
as compared to the same period last year.
o Traveled approximately 909,000 fewer miles.
o Burned approximately 151,015 fewer gallons of diesel (at a rate of
6 mpg)
o Emitted approximately 373,755 fewer pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2)
based on the Environmental Protection Agency formula of 22.2 pounds of
O2 per gallon of diesel burned.
Fundamentally, Load Max is a transportation best-practice that maximizes the use of trailer space, thereby reducing per-volume transportation costs and putting fewer trucks on the road. The program works by:
o Right-sizing units to ensure that loads nest well in trailers and that
each trailer is fully loaded.
o Identifying customers who frequently order smaller loads and asking
them to consider accepting larger loads less frequently.
o Combining loads and, when possible, eliminating pallets to ensure the
most efficient use of shipping space.
Smurfit-Stone is applying transportation management software to model load configurations and has encouraged employees to inspect shipments and offer their own input on how best to configure each load.
Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation's innovative packaging solutions help its customers to grow their businesses and profits. As North America's premier packaging company, Smurfit-Stone (NASDAQ:SSCC) is the industry's leading integrated manufacturer of paperboard and paper-based packaging. Smurfit-Stone also is one of the world's largest paper recyclers. The company has led the industry in safety performance every year since 2001 and conducts its business in compliance with the environmental, health and safety principles of the American Forest & Paper Association. Smurfit-Stone is a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange, and the company's corrugated container facilities have earned SFI Certified Sourcing Label status from the Sustainable Forestry InitiativeŽ, Inc. Smurfit-Stone operates approximately 180 facilities and employs approximately 25,200 people.
FCMN Contact: trowden@smurfit.com
Source: Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation
CONTACT: Tim Rowden of Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation,
+1-314-656-5942
Web site: http://www.smurfit-stone.com/
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